Using Treats for Training: How to Choose the Right Reward at the Right Time
A Professional Dog Trainer’s Guide to Low, Medium & High-Value Treats
One of the most common questions I get as a dog trainer is, “What treats should I use during training?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a simple framework that works for almost every dog and every situation.
Understanding treat value and how to use it strategically can completely change the outcome of your training sessions. It’s not about giving more food. It’s about giving the right reward for the moment.
🍘 Low-Value Treats: Everyday Rewards
These are treats your dog enjoys, but doesn’t go wild for. Think of these as the equivalent of dry cereal for humans, not super exciting, but acceptable for routine tasks.
Examples:
Your dog’s regular kibble
Small dry training treats
Freeze-dried treats that aren’t especially smelly
When to use low-value treats:
Training in distraction-free environments (like your living room)
Practicing known cues your dog has already mastered
Using throughout the day for reinforcing calm behavior
These treats are perfect for high repetition training because they’re easy to digest and don’t overstimulate.
These are some of my favorite low-value treat options:
🦴 Some of My Favorite Low-Value Treats for Training
Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats
These are a go-to in my treat pouch — low-calorie, crunchy, and made with simple ingredients. Each treat has just 3 calories, which makes them perfect for frequent rewards during longer training sessions. I often break them into tiny pieces to stretch them even further.
👉 Get Charlee Bear Treats on AmazonFruitables Baked Dog Treats Variety Pack
I love these for their fun flavor options — pumpkin & apple, banana, blueberry, and cranberry. They’re oven-baked, crunchy, and just the right size for training. I also like breaking them up to get more value per session.
👉 Shop Fruitables on AmazonYitto Paws Crunchy Mini Organic Dog Training Treats
Made with organic oats and real strawberries, these treats are gentle on sensitive stomachs and totally hypoallergenic. Each one is about 3.6 calories, and the mini size makes them great for rapid-fire sessions.
👉 Find Yitto Paws Treats on Amazon
🧀 Medium-Value Treats: Stepping Things Up
These are more enticing than kibble, often moist, smelly, or soft. Dogs pay closer attention when these treats are in play, but they’re still not the ultimate jackpot.
Examples:
Soft baked treats
Rolled treat logs (cut into tiny pieces)
Freeze dried liver or chicken treats
Store-bought “training treats” with high scent appeal
When to use medium-value treats:
Practicing in new environments with mild distractions
Working on a new behavior your dog is just beginning to learn
Proofing cues in more challenging settings (like the front porch, or neighborhood)
🐾 My Favorite Medium-Value Treats for Training
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
These are a classic in the training world for a reason — they’re soft, moist, and under 3 calories per piece. I love them for their convenience and how quickly dogs respond to them. Flavors include chicken, salmon, and peanut butter.
👉 Grab Zuke’s Mini Naturals on AmazonWellness Soft Puppy Bites (Grain-Free)
Although they’re marketed for puppies, these soft and easily breakable treats are a hit with dogs of all ages. Made with ingredients like lamb and salmon, they’re about 6 calories each and easy on the stomach.
👉 Shop Wellness Soft Puppy Bites on AmazonBlue Buffalo Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats
These heart-shaped treats are packed with flavor and feature real meat as the first ingredient. They’re also enriched with DHA, which supports cognitive development — a great option for puppies or active learners.
👉 Find Blue Buffalo Bits on AmazonPet Botanics Training Rewards Minis
With just 1.5 calories per treat, these are fantastic for extended training sessions. They’re made with real pork liver and enhanced with botanicals like rosemary and green tea. Available in chicken, salmon, and bacon flavors — and the generous bag size means you’ll get 200 to 500 treats per pouch.
👉 Get Pet Botanics Minis on Amazon
🐓 High-Value Treats: The “Ultimate Yes”
These are your dog’s absolute favorite things — usually fresh, moist, and super smelly. They grab attention fast and create major positive associations.
Examples:
Boiled chicken
Diced hot dogs (in moderation)
Cheese sticks
Canned tripe or other “gross but amazing” proteins
But here’s the important part:
Your dog decides what’s high-value — not you.
Some dogs would do backflips for liver treats… while others would rather work for a piece of lettuce. (Yes — I once worked with a dog who hated chicken but went wild for crunchy romaine!)
One of my favorite ways to figure out treat value is to offer two different treats — one in each hand — and let the dog choose. Whichever one they gravitate toward or get more excited about becomes the “winner.” I’ll mentally rank those treats for future sessions and use them strategically depending on the training situation.
Trainer tip:
Use your highest-value treat when your dog is under high stress or major distraction — like walking past barking dogs or training in busy outdoor areas. What works indoors may completely flop outside.
🧭 Trainer Insight: Match the Treat to the Moment
Not every training environment is created equal and not every treat will hold your dog’s attention the same way in different settings. A piece of kibble might work perfectly for sit-stay practice in the living room, but fall completely flat during a walk past barking dogs or a crowded park.
Use lower-value treats for calm, low-distraction environments, like indoors or in your backyard.
Use higher-value rewards for situations with lots of stimulation, new sights, or emotional intensity — like walks, reactivity training, or public outings.
Think of treat value like currency: you need a few coins to buy something small… but a larger investment for the big, life-changing work.
💡 A Few Trainer Tips:
Smaller is better. Dogs don’t care about quantity — they care about flavor and frequency. A pea-sized piece is plenty.
One treat = many rewards. Break up larger treats into 10–15 tiny bits. It keeps your dog working without overloading their system.
Mix your value. You don’t have to stick to one level. Bring a pouch with a treat “trail mix” so you can reward based on effort and environment.
Check your dog’s reaction. High-value is subjective. What one dog loves, another might ignore. Your dog is the real judge.
✨ Final Thoughts
Treats should not be used as bribes… they’re communication tools. When used intentionally, they become a powerful way to build trust, focus, and long-term success in your training journey. Remember: it’s not about overfeeding. It’s about strategic reinforcement and celebrating your dog for choosing good decisions and connection over chaos. Think of treats like your dog’s paycheck… would you go to work knowing you wouldn’t get paid? Our dog’s will naturally move to something they find more reinforcing, so let’s make sure that reinforcing thing is attention and focus on you and for good behavior!
Whether you're training basic manners or working through reactivity, treat value matters. Let the reward match the moment and watch your dog’s motivation soar.
🐾 Want Help Designing the Right Plan?
If you’d like help designing a training plan with the right rewards for your dog’s unique needs, I offer in-person sessions in the Alpharetta area and virtual consults nationwide. We’ll figure out exactly what motivates your dog and how to use it to your advantage — with love, clarity, and structure that works.
👉 Click here to book a session or learn more
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s your dog’s favorite treat?
Have you noticed a moment where switching up treat value made a difference in their focus or behavior?
👇 Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how you're using rewards to build a deeper connection with your pup!
Jackie Audette, CDPT-KA, GDMI
Owner/Head Trainer
Channeled Canine Coaching
channeledcaninecoaching.com
